COPDEM welcomes ADC coalition, says attempt to sabotage it will backfire

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), has congratulated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the historic formation of the ADC Coalition, under the interim leadership of former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

The pro-democracy movement, during a press briefing on Thursday, said ADC Coalition will offer a fresh opportunity to build an inclusive, credible, and principled political platform — one capable of uniting forward-thinking Nigerians in the urgent task of national rescue and democratic renewal.

COPDEM warned that any attempt to sabotage this coalition will not only backfire, but risks triggering a national crisis with dire consequences for Nigeria’s hard-won democracy.

It added that the responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s future lies with all patriots, not just those in government.

Read full statement below:

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) wholeheartedly congratulates the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the historic formation of the ADC Coalition, under the interim national leadership of former Senate President, Senator David Mark. This bold and timely initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political evolution as we approach the crucial 2027 general elections.

At this defining moment in our national journey, the ADC Coalition offers a fresh opportunity to build an inclusive, credible, and principled political platform — one capable of uniting forward-thinking Nigerians in the urgent task of national rescue and democratic renewal.

A Democratic Opportunity That Must Not Be Undermined

Nigeria stands today at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy faces existential threats — not just from economic decline or poor governance, but from a decaying political culture that actively resists reform and sabotages viable alternatives. The ADC Coalition’s emergence is a welcome and necessary disruption.

We therefore issue a clear and urgent call to key democratic institutions — including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces — to remain nonpartisan and constitutionally faithful. These institutions must not allow themselves to be used, wittingly or unwittingly, in schemes to derail or discredit the ADC Coalition or any legitimate democratic force challenging the status quo.

Let it be known: any attempt to sabotage this coalition will not only backfire but risks triggering a national crisis with dire consequences for our hard-won democracy. The responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s future lies with all patriots, not just those in government.

Leadership Rooted in Experience and National Interest

The appointment of Senator David Mark as interim National Chairman offers the ADC Coalition a stabilizing figure of integrity, experience, and national reach. Senator Mark’s record as a two-term Senate President and staunch advocate for democratic values underscores the seriousness of this effort.

The coalition’s strength is further deepened by the involvement of credible figures such as Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, known for grassroots mobilization and people-oriented governance, and Bolaji Abdullahi, a dynamic policy thinker and youth advocate.

Not forgetting Chief Dr. Ralph Nwosu the former chairman of the ADC now interim national Organising Secretary of the party for his humility and selfless sacrifice to offer the ADC as the instrument of national rebirth when it matters the most.

Together, they signal a strategic shift toward value-driven leadership capable of resonating with Nigeria’s diverse and youthful electorate.

This Coalition Is Not About Power for Its Own Sake

This movement is not another elite alliance aimed at capturing power without purpose. As Senator Mark made clear, this coalition is a people-powered platform designed to restore faith in governance, rebuild trust in leadership, and implement real reform across sectors.

The ADC Coalition’s stated goals — strengthening internal democracy, enhancing inclusiveness, and prioritizing competence — align squarely with COPDEM’s values and mission. Nigerians are tired of transactional politics. What they seek is visionary, transparent, and ethical leadership.

Transparency Must Be the Cornerstone

As we applaud this promising new chapter, we must also stress that transparency will determine its success. Nigerians will no longer entrust their future to opaque political structures. The ADC must set a new standard — by institutionalizing openness in leadership selection, resource management, policy formulation, and candidate nominations.

COPDEM urges the ADC Coalition to establish clear mechanisms for public accountability, regular stakeholder engagement, and grassroots feedback. Transparency is not just good governance — it is political survival.

Unity Is the Winning Strategy

Nigeria’s diversity is its strength — if managed with vision and justice. The ADC Coalition must avoid the pitfalls of past alliances that collapsed under the weight of internal rivalries and exclusionary politics. National renewal demands genuine unity — across regions, ethnicities, religions, genders, and generations.

Leadership appointments, candidate nominations, and decision-making structures must reflect this national character. This is the only way to build a resilient political movement and inoculate the coalition against external sabotage and internal fragmentation.

The APC Playbook Will Not Work This Time

We are aware of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s historic tactics of dividing the opposition through infiltration, disinformation, and the weaponization of state power. But Nigerians are wiser now. COPDEM, alongside other pro-democracy forces, will lawfully resist any such attempts to sabotage the ADC Coalition or repress alternative voices.

Let it be made clear: we will not be intimidated, co-opted, or silenced.

Towards 2027: The Work Begins Now*

The road to 2027 will be long and fraught with challenges — but it is one worth traveling. COPDEM encourages the ADC Coalition to begin early, strategic, and grassroots-oriented preparations. We recommend the following immediate steps:

1. Grassroots Engagement: Go to the people. Listen, learn, and include them in shaping the party’s platform.

2. Youth and Women Empowerment: Actively promote emerging leaders and guarantee inclusive representation at all levels.

3. Policy Clarity and Vision: Present bold, actionable solutions to Nigeria’s core challenges — from insecurity to job creation.

4. Transparent Candidate Selection: Say no to recycled, visionless politicians. Let merit, integrity, and service guide your choices.

5. Strategic Alliances: Work with credible civil society, professionals, and like-minded parties to build a national movement.

6. Civic Education and Voter Sensitization: Counter apathy, misinformation, and vote-buying with awareness and civic responsibility.

A Shared Vision for a New Nigeria

Nigeria must not miss this moment of possible rebirth. The 2027 elections are not just another political cycle — they are a potential turning point in our democratic history. The ADC Coalition has the ingredients to lead a genuine national revival — but only if it remains principled, focused, and people-driven.

We call on Senator David Mark and the entire leadership of the ADC to resist distractions, uphold democratic values, and speak courageously for the millions of Nigerians who have lost faith in the current system.

Our Commitment

As a political action group and a civic platform dedicated to democratic advancement, COPDEM reaffirms its commitment to support this movement — through civic education, election observation, policy engagement, democratic defense, and capacity building.

We invite all Nigerians — young and old, north and south, urban and rural — to actively engage. True change requires action, not apathy. The future belongs to those who participate in shaping it.

We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. The time for true democratic change is now.

Conclusion

We once again! We congratulate the ADC Coalition on this courageous and visionary step. We commend Senator David Mark and his colleagues for choosing to stand on the side of history. Let transparency, unity, and service remain your guiding lights as you march toward 2027.

We strongly emphasize that the politics of enterprising and personal gains or preferences must be abolished to make way for bottom-up politics that is built on the sincere passion for national redemption that is  people – driven and grassroot- based*

Victory is not only possible — *it is inevitable* , if we stay true to our collective ideals.

God bless the ADC Coalition.
God bless COPDEM.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed: Prince Rwang Pam Jnr.
Phone  +234 703 429 6653

For National Executive Committee,  Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM)
July 10, 2025

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